Photos: Top 12 most anticipated new U.S. theme park rides for 2012

CaptionHoliday World, Santa Claus, Ind.

Holiday World

12) Holiday World's new ride for next year is essentially the same ride the Indiana theme park added last year. The $9-million Mammoth, destined to become the world's longest water coaster when it debuts in 2012, will unseat the previous title holder, Wildebeest, which Holiday World added in 2010.

12) Holiday World's new ride for next year is essentially the same ride the Indiana theme park added last year. The $9-million Mammoth, destined to become the world's longest water coaster when it debuts in 2012, will unseat the previous title holder, Wildebeest, which Holiday World added in 2010. (Holiday World)

It already seems like 2012 is shaping up as a good year for ride enthusiasts as the major industry players have plans to roll out big projects while some theme parks have announced attractions but kept details secret. Here are my Top 12 for 2012. --Brady MacDonald